Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect in your worship services?

We don’t expect you to dress up. As a group we are not overly formal. You will see folks there in shorts and T-shirts, suits and ties, dresses and jeans.

You can sit on the main floor of the sanctuary or in the balcony. We have padded pews. If you have little ones, you are welcome to bring them into worship or take them up to the nursery attendant (upper floor, on the right as you go down the hall).

We often have a member of the congregation lead parts of the readings and give some thoughts on the offering (collection of donations).

You don’t have to put anything in the offering plate as it is passed. You’ll notice a number of people don’t because we have online giving and some folks donate once a month when they are paid. You are welcome, however to contribute. We have some special offerings like our benevolence fund as well as “regular” offerings.

We often use our hymnals and paper bulletin for call-and-response readings, songs and to let us know where we are in the order of worship. You will also find a lot of announcements about other opportunities for learning and service.

Our preaching pastor often wears a robe, but it is to remind all of us that this is something important and to open our ears to what God has to say.

Our Family Choir and others bring all kinds and styles of music to worship. The majority of our hymns are with an organ or piano accompaniment.

We have Communion, also known as the Lord’s Supper, at least once a month, usually on the first Sunday.

Though we are affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) which is known for weekly communion, we are also affiliated with the American Baptist denomination. As part of the founding of our federated congregation, our forebears chose to practice communion monthly.

What are your requirements for membership?

You do not have to be a member to join in our activities and worship, but know you are welcome.

We accept transfers of membership from other churches as well as confessions of new faith.

If you believe in Jesus Christ as savior, you are welcome.

If you are seeking and not sure you believe, you are welcome.

We practice immersion baptism but if you were baptized as an infant, you are welcome.

If you want to be re-baptized as a new start, you are welcome. Just talk to a pastor about getting that done.

If you aren’t comfortable coming forward during the end of the worship service to join, see a pastor to talk about your options.

What is Federated Church?

Federated Church began in 1948 when the recently formed West Lafayette Christian Church “federated” with the West Lafayette Baptist Church to offer a stronger witness in West Lafayette. Today, it is a dynamic, welcoming church of more than 200 families from over 30 Christian faith traditions – a diverse and accepting community seeking to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ together.

Our prayer is that every person entering our doors will be empowered by the Holy Spirit to face the world with hope and joy. Federated is a Christ-centered church, encouraging all to grow in love and service by sharing individual passions. Our vision is to spread the love of Jesus through: